First pvt train Tejas likely to have its inaugural run on Oct 4

Lucknow, Sep 6 : Country's first private train Tejas, to run between Delhi and Lucknow is all set to be flagged off during the coming Navratras probably on October 4.

The semi-high speed train to be managed by IRCTC, will ply from platform number 6 of Lucknow Junction, Chief Regional Manager, IRCTC, Ashwini Srivastava said here on Friday. “We have sent details to the Railway Board and they will decide the nitty gritty of the inaugural run of the train, which is all set to be done in the coming Navratras," he disclosed.

He further said IRCTC has sought platform number 6 for the Tejas’ run between Lucknow and Delhi from Lucknow Division of North Eastern Railway and it has almost been decided. The CRM said the train would depart from Lucknow Junction (NER) everyday at 6.10am and in the return journey will start from New Delhi railway station at 4.30pm.

“Presently one rake of the train will be run and we are discussing the modalities of running the train,” he said. Sources said the IRCTC was also planning to have a separate ticket counter at railway stations to supervise ticketing. Besides, tickets of the train could also be purchased online. The sources said the passengers would be able to book tickets 15 days prior to their journey and that the IRCTC may adopt dynamic fares and pricing model for tickets.

They said initially executive class passengers could avail lounge facilities at the stations by paying marginal fees. The Railway lounge will be equipped with all the comforts and conveniences available at an airport lounge. “Among other premium facilities, passengers can also avail facilities for conducting business meeting inside the lounge,” the sources said.

They said the officials were mulling on providing facility of train hostess akin to air-hostesses to serve passengers. “Indian Railways will provide the train driver,guard and RPF (personnel)for Tejas Express while ticketing staff, onboard house-keeping and catering will be managed by IRCTC,” they said.

Tejas Express will be an all air-conditioned chair car service and a more premium and luxurious version of Shatabdi Express. Besides, Tejas Express will be equipped with personalised infotainment screens,attendant call buttons, reading lights, foot-rest in executive class, modular bio-toilets, and automatic sliding doors for entry/exit.

The sources said other facilities in the train include automatic doors, smoke alarms,CCTV cameras, hand dryers,on-board catering, vending machines, LED TV, magazines and electric outlets.(UNI)